A Lesson in Math

We're told by the Pentagon and administration officials that the use of National Guard troops in Iraq is not affecting the hurricane relief effort along the Gulf. After all, 60 or 70% of those held in reserve for just this sort of domestic emergency are still available.

As the days go by and the emergency personnel are increasingly overwhelmed by fatigue, looting, death and desperation, it should be apparent even to politicians and generals that 60% is somewhat less than 100%.

The people of New Orleans and Biloxi deserve more than 60 or 70%. And the rest of us deserve more than rationalizations and lies.